Steven Seagal hit with lawsuit over reality show

Actor Steven Seagal has been hit with a new lawsuit for allegedly arresting an Arizona man for TV ratings.

The Under Siege star, who is a reserve deputy sheriff, was filming an episode of Steven Seagal: Lawman in March, 2011, when he allegedly helped raid the home of Jesus Llovera, who was believed to be raising fighting roosters, which is a felony.

Cops carried out a search of the man’s property and then arrested the Phoenix resident after finding dangerous accessories and more than 100 chickens. He was later charged with raising animals for cockfighting and illegal possession of veterinary drugs.

Llovera has maintained his innocence, insisting he raised the roosters for show, and on Tuesday he filed a civil lawsuit against Seagal and members of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, claiming his arrest was staged to make good television.

Llovera, who is seeking unspecified damages, tells local publication AZ Central, “What they showed up for was to make a show, and they made one.”

The episode in question was set to air in America on January 4 but the show’s third season was pulled.